Sale are currently 10th in the Aviva Premiership with just three wins from nine starts under Brewer's direction, and they are unlikely to progress from their Amlin Challenge Cup pool following successive defeats against French side Brive.

Former Sale player, current Sharks academy coach Pete Anglesea, will replace Brewer until the end of this season, assisted by new forwards coach Steve Scott, backs coach Byron Hayward and defence coach Graham Steadman.

Brewer, who played for New Zealand in the 1995 World Cup final against South Africa, was appointed as successor to former England union and league star Jason Robinson eight months ago.

His arrival at Edgeley Park followed a poor 2009/10 campaign when Sale finished 11th in the Premiership, just four points above relegated Worcester.

But Brewer has been unable to make an impact, although his job was not made easier by injuries to key players, including Mathew Tait, Charlie Hodgson and James Gaskell, the young forward prospect he appointed skipper in August.

Sale owner Brian Kennedy said: "We would like to thank Mike for the dedication and commitment he has shown to the club.

"I am personally very disappointed that this has not worked out, as I have a great deal of respect for him, and of course I wish him all the best for the future."